Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim', Black Krim Tomato
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Annuals

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim'

Black Krim Tomato

SolanaceaeSouth America

At a Glance

Typeannual
Habitvining
Foliagedeciduous
Height6-8 feet
Width3-4 feet

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4a - 10b
Zone 4a
Zone 4b
Zone 5a
Zone 5b
Zone 6a
Zone 6b
Zone 7a
Zone 7b
Zone 8a
Zone 8b
Zone 9a
Zone 9b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' is a distinctive heirloom indeterminate tomato cultivar renowned for its exceptional flavor and striking appearance. This vigorous plant produces large, beefsteak-type fruits that typically weigh 8-12 ounces each, with some specimens reaching up to one pound. The tomatoes display a remarkable deep burgundy to brownish-black skin with subtle green shoulders, while the interior reveals a rich, dark red flesh with complex flavor notes described as smoky, sweet, and intensely tomato-forward. The plant exhibits the characteristic growth habit of indeterminate tomatoes, reaching heights of 6-8 feet when properly supported. The foliage consists of compound leaves with serrated leaflets typical of the species, displaying a medium to dark green coloration. Small, bright yellow five-petaled flowers appear in clusters throughout the growing season, eventually developing into the prized dark fruits. Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' originated in the Crimean Peninsula and represents one of the most sought-after dark tomato varieties among gardeners and chefs alike for its exceptional culinary qualities and unique appearance.

Native Range

Solanum lycopersicum as a species is native to western South America, specifically the Andes mountains of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Chile, where wild relatives still grow today. The 'Black Krim' cultivar itself originated from the Crimean Peninsula region of Ukraine, where it was developed through traditional selection methods by local gardeners and has been cultivated for generations.

Suggested Uses

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' works exceptionally well as a centerpiece variety in vegetable gardens, particularly in heirloom or specialty tomato collections. This cultivar is excellent for fresh eating, slicing for gourmet sandwiches and burgers, and culinary applications where complex tomato flavor is desired. The striking dark appearance makes it valuable for farmers markets and specialty crop production, commanding premium prices. Suitable for container growing in large containers (minimum 20 gallons) with adequate support, and ideal for greenhouse cultivation in shorter growing seasons. Popular choice for home gardeners seeking unique varieties and chefs looking for distinctive ingredients.

How to Identify

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' can be identified by its distinctive dark-colored fruits that range from deep burgundy to brownish-black with characteristic green shoulders. The large, oblate beefsteak-type tomatoes often show irregular ribbing and can weigh 8-12 ounces or more. The plant grows as an indeterminate vine requiring substantial support, with typical tomato foliage featuring compound leaves with serrated edges and a medium to dark green color. Small bright yellow flowers appear in clusters, and the overall plant structure is robust and vigorous, often reaching 6-8 feet in height when grown with proper trellising.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
SummerFall
summer through early fall, continuously flowering until frost

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

bright yellow

Foliage Description

medium to dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate to high, requiring consistent moisture

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

69-90 days from transplant

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' requires consistent care throughout the growing season for optimal fruit production. Provide deep, regular watering at the soil level to maintain even moisture while avoiding wetting the foliage, which can promote disease. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, providing approximately 1-2 inches of water weekly. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting, then switch to a lower nitrogen formula once flowering begins to encourage fruit development rather than excessive vegetative growth. Install sturdy supports such as cages or stakes early in the season, as this indeterminate variety will require substantial support for its 6-8 foot height. Mulch around plants with 2-3 inches of organic matter to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and provide adequate air circulation between plants to prevent fungal diseases.

Pruning

Prune Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' by removing suckers that develop in the leaf axils throughout the growing season to maintain plant vigor and fruit quality. These suckers should be pinched off when they are 2-4 inches long, typically on a weekly basis. Remove lower leaves that touch the ground or show signs of disease, and thin excess foliage to improve air circulation around developing fruit clusters. As an indeterminate variety, continue removing suckers weekly and consider topping the plant 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost to encourage ripening of existing fruits. Remove any diseased, yellowing, or damaged foliage promptly to prevent spread of pathogens and maintain plant health.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 20 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Solanum lycopersicum 'Black Krim' fruits are safe for human consumption when fully ripe and red inside. However, green unripe tomatoes, leaves, stems, and roots contain solanine and other glycoalkaloids that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal upset. Keep pets away from tomato plants, as the foliage can cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, and other symptoms in dogs and cats. Always harvest and consume only fully mature, ripe fruits.

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

6 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

not recommended for direct sowing

Days to Maturity

69–90 days

Plant Spacing

24 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

basil
oregano
parsley
marigolds
nasturtiums
carrots
lettuce

Avoid Planting With

fennel
brassicas
corn
potatoes
peppers
eggplant